High-tech alarm systems, motion detectors, motion-activated lights … there are any number of devices and gadgets that will help protect your home from break-ins. But when it comes to home security, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money for safety.
In fact, one of the simplest things you can do is to lock your doors. It sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? But the Department of Justice reports that nearly 30 percent of burglars gain access to a home through an unlocked door or window.
And while you’re at it, be sure to lock all of your doors, even those leading to garages and basements. We often forget about these doors, but they still allow access to your home, and keeping them locked adds another layer of security.

Make sure your windows are locked, too, especially if they’re easily accessible from the ground or you live in a building that has a fire escape or some other sort of exterior access.
We know — it’s almost too simple, right? Although a burglar can certainly thwart a lock, keeping doors and windows consistently locked is still an easy, inexpensive way to protect your home. You could consider upgrading locks to deadbolts, or even swapping aluminum or wood doors for something sturdier.
Do you keep your doors and windows locked on a consistent basis?
Photo: Flickr.com/photos/tjshirey/2759093488/

Katy Schamberger is a Kansas City-based freelance writer, editor, blogger and author who weaves experience as a journalist, magazine editor and Chief Content Officer to create compelling, engaging copy that informs, entertains and inspires action. Oh, and she likes to take photos, too, especially of architecture, food and cocktails. Welcome!